Page 77 of The Heiress's Daughter
“And Mama?” Lina asked tremulously.
Lord Tarrant smiled and ruffled her hair. “Mama is fine, darling, just a little tired. She’ll be ready to see you in a while and introduce you to your new baby brother, but first you need to deal with these milk and cookies that Nanny has brought you.” He stood aside, with some difficulty as his children wouldn’t let go of him, and Nanny came through with a laden tray.
Over his children’s heads, Lord Tarrant looked at Clarissa and Lord Randall, and said quietly, “I can’t thank you enough for what you did for my girls. Nanny explained. I had no idea they were so worried. I’m very grateful, and my wife will be, too.”
“It was our absolute pleasure,” Lord Randall told him. “Congratulations on the new baby. If he grows up to be anything like his sisters, he’ll make you proud. Your daughters are magnificent.” He took Clarissa’s hand and added, “I only hope we have such wonderful children.”
Lord Tarrant gave them a surprised look, then grinned. “You’re betrothed? That’s wonderful news. Congratulations.” He smiled at Clarissa. “I’ll tell Alice—she’ll be thrilled.”
Clarissa opened her mouth to deny it, but Lord Randall squeezed her hand meaningfully, and she swallowed the words she’d been about to say. “Thank you,” she murmured, fighting a blush. The betrothal still felt like a lie, even if Lord Randall kept insisting it was real. “Give LadyTarrant my love. And congratulations on the baby. I’ll visit her in a day or two when she’s ready for callers.”
They left Lord Tarrant with the little girls, and moved into the garden. “You were wonderful with the children,” Clarissa said after a moment. “How did you know what to do? Do you…do you have children?” She braced herself for the answer. Rakes were notorious for siring bastards. Her father had begotten two.
That they knew of.
“No, no children.”
“Then…”
He glanced down at her and winked. “Believe it or not I was a child once.”
They strolled toward Lady Scattergood’s house in silence. Clarissa felt no pressure to converse, which was a relief.
“Oh, Clarissa, Mama was wondering whether—oh!” Milly, having rounded a corner, came to an abrupt stop. “Lord Randall.” She eyed him warily and backed away several steps, as if, being a notorious rake, he would immediately jump on her and ravish her.
“Good morning, Milly,” Clarissa said. “What was it your mother wanted to know?”
“Have you learned yet who bought the house on the corner?”
“No.”
Milly pouted. “Mama is becoming quite frustrated. She is certain it is some ghastly, vulgar cit.”
Clarissa had no interest in Mrs. Harrington’s pretensions. “Whoever it turns out to be, I don’t think it’s any of our business. If that’s all, Milly, I’ll say goodbye.”
“You shouldn’t be alone with a man like that,” Milly muttered as they turned to leave.
Clarissa turned back. “What did you say?”
Milly shifted uncomfortably. “Well, Mama says he’s not to be trus—”
“Your mama talks a lot of nonsense!” Clarissa flashedangrily. “How dare you refer to Lord Randall in such a manner! To me, he is, and has always been a thorough gentleman. In any case, Milly, he and I are betrothed, so you may tell your mama that!”
Milly’s eyes widened. “Betrothed?You and that rake?”
“No, thisgentlemanand I!”
“Well!” Milly said. “Well! I don’t know what Mama will have to say to that!”
“Why don’t you run off and find out then?” Clarissa said. “Come, Lord Randall.” And thrusting her arm through his, she marched away, leaving Milly goggling behind them on the path.
“Well, well,” Lord Randall said after a few minutes. “Quite the little firebrand, aren’t you?”
Clarissa flushed. “Well, but she was so rude about you. And it was so unjust.”
He laughed softly. “I don’t care what silly girls like that, or their mothers, think of me.”
“Well, I do.”
